The Benefits of Vitamin B3

19th Sep 2017

Vitamin B3 is an amazingly productive beneficial vitamin forming part of the broader B vitamins. Commonly known as Niacin, there have been major medical breakthroughs in recent years concerning the immense benefits of vitamin B3. A recent study by the Victor Chang Institute in Sydney highlighted potential causes and preventative solutions for miscarriages and birth defects using vitamin B3.

It was identified that children born with birth defects were often deficient in a particular, yet vital, molecule. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) works to encourage cells to generate the energy needed for the development of organs and yet was not present in several of these cases. This deficiency could be corrected, however, in mice. Providing pregnant mice with vitamin B3 saw a dramatic reduction in the amounts of miscarriages or birth defects in their young. Though this study is still in its early stages of understanding, there are a number of health benefits of vitamin B3 that we can already take advantage of.

Cardiovascular Health

Not only can vitamin B3 lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with poor cholesterol levels, but it can also lower the risk of future heart attacks after an initial occurrence. By keeping arteries from becoming hardened and also functioning as an anti-inflammatory, vitamin B3 can provide a helping hand for cardiovascular health.

Blood Cholesterol Levels

The benefits of vitamin B3 can support cardiovascular health by reducing and balancing dangerously high cholesterol levels. However, this powerful vitamin can also boost the body’s levels of good HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides.

Skin Maintenance

Vitamin B3 is often prescribed as a natural alternative to skin treatments. It aims to reduce and treat acne as well as minimise flare ups and irritation through its anti-inflammatory properties.

Brain Function

Other benefits of vitamin B3 include that of supporting brain function, especially protecting against the effects of Alzheimer’s. Strengthening the brain against memory loss and thinking strategies, vitamin B3 has often been associated with protecting against age-related brain disorders. However, there has also been research carried out into the phenomenon that suggests wider applications for the vitamin. These vitamin B3 benefits include protection against migraines headaches, motion sickness, insomnia, and even depression.